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WRAP UP: The Australians had the better of two Tests but, unlike South Africa, could not land the killer punch. The Proteas were clinical today, apart from the last 45 minutes or so when Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon ran amok. They might not be anywhere near the powerhouse teams of the West Indies in the 1980s and early 90s or the Australian sides after that but the Proteas are a very good cricket team and deserve their No.1 ranking. As for the Australians, their flaws have been exposed - fragile batting line-up and perhaps the bowling is not as strong as everyone thought. Next up are the Sri Lankans in Hobart. Australia should win that one but the same thing was said about them 12 months ago at Bellerive against New Zealand and we all know how that turned out. That's all for now from the blog. Tune in for day one in Hobart on Friday December 14. Thanks for joining us.

7.54pm Proudest moment as captain was series in South Africa in 2009 when Australia won 2-1 with a young team including Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Andrew McDonald, Marcus North very early in their Test careers.

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7.51pm On the guard of honour: "It was a bit unexpected, I was quite embarrassed, an amazing gesture."

7.50pm Ponting's about to have a chat to Mark Nicholas. He's a fast talker but we'll try and give you a few quotes.

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7.48pm Ricky Ponting leads the Australian team out on to the field to shake the hands of the South Africans. He's getting extended hand shakes from all the Proteas, who have shown the great man enormous respect today. Ponting must like Hashim Amla - he was the first to get a hug. There's been a lot of good sportsmanship from both sides.

7.46pm WICKET! It's game over, Smith takes the catch at first slip and Lyon's out for 31. He's nicked one too many and Steyn claims his third wicket. The Proteas win by 309 runs. Australia 322 (Starc 68)

7.45pm Where was this batting earlier in the day when Australia needed it? Australia's Nos 10 and 11 have shown some cheek. Australia 9-322 (Starc 68, Lyon 31)

7.40pm The new ball's been taken. Bill Lawry's playing some shots in the commentary box. He reckons the Proteas have been a bit "slack" in the last half hour. He reckons they bowled the spinner and lost concentration in the field. Starc hasn't lost his concentration. He's just smoked another from the middle. He's up to 64. Australia 9-314 (Starc 64, Lyon 27)

7.37pm Momentum shift in this game! Lyon's just snicked one and it's flown between Smith at first slip and Kallis at second. Four runs for Lyon. In all seriousness, this is providing nothing but nuisance value to the South Africans. It's merely taking away from their celebrating time. Australia 9-310 (Starc 60, Lyon 27)

7.29pm Those that backed Cowan to be Australia's top-scorer in the second innings will be chewing their nails now. Starc's on 51, chasing Cowan's 53. One more shot will potentially get him there. Australia 9-288 (Starc 51, Lyon 14)

7.21pm Almost a wicket there. Starc's knocked that just short of Dean Elgar at short cover. After breezing to 43 will Starc tighten up with his first Test 50 in sights? He might need to get them quickly. The new ball's due in three overs. Australia 9-279 (Starc 43, Lyon 13)

7.24pm How many fans out there will buy the latest piece of Channel Nine's memorabilia? It's got a piece of the shirt Ponting wore in his last Test. Australia 9-280 (Starc 43, Lyon 14)

7.21pm Almost a wicket there. Starc's knocked that just short of Dean Elgar at short cover. After breezing to 43 will Starc tighten up with his first Test 50 in sights? He might need to get them quickly. The new ball's due in three overs. Australia 9-279 (Starc 43, Lyon 13)

7.08pm Starc and Lyon look intent on finishing this match with a bang. Starc's played some big shots against Peterson. Australia 9-257 (Starc 28, Lyon 6)

6.57pm WICKET! After entertaining the crowd with a few lusty hits, Hastings cannot resist a wide offering from Morne Morkel and is caught at first slip attempting a lavish cover drive. Hastings goes for 20. This match will be over very soon. Australia 9-235 (Starc 13, Lyon 0)

6.44pm SIX! Huge hit by John Hastings. He's used his feet to Peterson and hit him straight and high into the stands. Play's stopped for a few minutes as they try and find the ball. It may have come at a cost. Hastings is stretching his back. He looks a bit proppy. Australia 8-210 (Hastings 8, Starc 0)

6.40pm WICKET! Johnson's out for 3 c de Villiers b Philander. We might not even get past the first hour after tea. Johnson fished at a wide one from Philander and gets a faint edge. We all know Starc and Hastings won't save this Test but let's hope they show some fight and make the Proteas work for it. Australia 8-204 (Hastings 2)

6.38pm We love getting the fans involved here. If you were John Inverarity, which 12 would you pick for the Hobart Test against Sri Lanka. Key issues are who replaces Ponting and how the batting order is re-configured, and what the make-up of the attack will be. Still no run after tea. Australia 7-204 (Hastings 2, Johnson 3)

6.35pm Heals is getting into Tubby for supposedly favouring NSW players. Tubby picked Moises Henriques to make a shock debut in his hypothetical squad for Hobart, so Heals asked whether Hashim Amla was from NSW so he could get into the Australian team. Tubby was pretty quick with a comeback, picking up that Heals was spruiking Queensland's Joe Burns. Maybe that's why Tubby was captain and Heals his deputy for much of their careers. Another maiden bowled, this one by Peterson. Australia 7-204 (Hastings 2, Johnson 3)

6.33pm Vernon Philander produces a maiden first-up after tea. The good news for Australia is they did not lose a wicket. There are a few who will be expecting this Test to finish pretty soon. I'm tipping they'll bat into the second hour. Peterson to operate from the other end. Australia 7-204 (Hastings 2, Johnson 3)

6.10pm That's tea and it's another session that belonged to the South Africans. They ruined the fairytale by getting Ponting out before lunch, and they all but killed the chance of a fifth day by getting Clarke and Hussey out that session. Peterson's been the unlikely destroyer, taking 3-67 - so much for the theory of four quicks in Perth. Australia 7-204 (Hastings 2, Johnson 3)

6.06pm There should be time for one more over before the tea break. So much for the 6-357 I thought Australia could get to at stumps. They'll be lucky to see out the day from here. Australia 7-203 (Hastings 2, Johnson 2)

6.03pm Nice line by Slats: "who would have thought, left-arm orthodox doing the job?" Peterson's proved an astute selection in this game. He's gone for a few runs but he's taken three wickets in each innings. With the tail to come, he might fancy himself to take his second Test five-for. ﻿﻿Australia 7-203 (Hastings 2, Johnson 2)

6.00pm WICKET! Channel Nine's gone to the news and next ball Wade's out for 10. It might be all over by the time the sports bulletin gets on. Peterson's taken his third wicket. Wade danced down the track and swiped it straight to Smith at mid-wicket. Mitchell Johnson's next man in. ﻿﻿Australia 7-198 (Hastings 0)

5.44pm This might get a few punters fired up, weather forecast is for isolated storms from midday tomorrow in Perth. It won't help Australia win the match but it'll increase their chances of a draw. 0-0 against the world No.1 is serviceable. Matthew Wade's at the crease now. Australia 5-188 (Hussey 26, Wade 0)

5.39pm WICKET! They don't come any bigger than this. Michael Clarke's gone for 44. He's been deceived in the air by Peterson, played an awful what-colour-is-the-sky shot, missed and been stumped. That was not a pretty sight at all. Peterson's broken a few hearts now. He's gotten Ponting and Clarke out, and has five for the game. Australia 5-188 (Hussey 26)

5.35pm After making two ducks on debut, Dean Elgar produces three full tosses with his first three balls. It took the third ball for Clarke to hit a boundary. With his fourth ball, Elgar finally lands one on the pitch. Australia 4-185 (Clarke 44, Hussey 23)

5.32pm Peterson's hit Hussey on the point of the elbow. Only problem was it wasn't with his spin, it was with a throw back to the batsman's end after fielding, albeit with his non-preferred hand. To his credit he was most apologetic about, though it shook Hussey up. Some might also argue if you're giong for Mr Tough Guy tactics you shouldn't be apologising if you strike a blow. Australia 4-181 (Clarke 40, Hussey 23)

5.23pm Clarke does not look like he's content just to bat for time. He's after runs, he probably still thinks Australian can win. His aggression almost cost him his wicket. He used his feet to Peterson and pushed it's fallen just short of mid-off. Australia 4-167 (Clarke 35, Hussey 14)

5.19pm Is Clarke making batting look very easy or have the Proteas hit a flat spot? Australia 4-153 (Clarke 27, Hussey 8)

5.13pm There's still hope for Australia. Forecast for Perth tomorrow is for isolated thunderstorms from midday. The problem is they might be all out by then. Australia 4-152 (Clarke 27, Hussey 7)

5.08pm For those wondering why Australia played South Africa now and not later in the summer (ie in Melbourne and Sydney over Christmas/New Year's) it's because the South African cricket association want to play at home over that period as well and wanted assurances from Australia that they would come over. Of course, Cricket Australia aren't going to give up their two biggest Tests of the summer. Australia 4-152 (Clarke 27, Hussey 7)

5.04pm Some good comments being posted. A few people not happy with Watson at the moment. In Perth, Clarke looks like he's in for the long haul. Australia 4-151 (Clarke 26, Hussey 7)

4.43pm Good news for Australia is their two best batsmen are at the crease. Bad news is it's taken four wickets to get them there. Should Clarke and Hussey be higher up the order? A top four of Warner, Cowan, Watson and X (Hughes, Khawaja, Doolan...) will not scare too many rival attacks. Would you like to see Clarke at three or four, Hussey at four or five, and whoever replaces Ponting to bat six? Maybe even Watson at six? Australia 4-132 (Clarke 12, Hussey 2)

4.35pm Clarke's been brought to his knees by Philander. Clarke missed a straight one and it's hit him flush on the groin. "You get a nasty blow there and it makes you feel ill in the stomach," says Chappelli. Channel Nine chooses now to place an ad for BUPA - "official health partner of the Aussie cricket team". There's also a close-up of Clarke's box. It's still in one piece. Play's been stopped for a few minutes now - there's still another nine hours or so left in this Test. I hope Clarke has another strategy to save the Test. Australia 4-130 (Clarke 12, Hussey 0)

4.31pm WICKET! We spoke too soon. Cowan's fallen for South Africa's trap. He's gone the hook shot to Steyn and been caught out in the deep by Dean Elgar. He's out for 53. Australia in huge trouble now, but it's Michael Hussey to the crease. Can he and Clarke bat for more than nine hours to save the game? Australia 4-130 (Clarke 12, Hussey 0)

4.29pm That's the half-century for Ed Cowan off 146 deliveries. It didn't seem possible after the torturous examination he was given by Philander last night, but he's looked very solid today. He's been strong in defence to the Proteas when they've been coming from around the wicket, and he's also left the ball with confidence. He even hit a six - the first of his Test career.

4.24pm Chappelli's shocked that Ben Hilfenhaus has a better bowling average this series than Peter Siddle. That's why there's more to cricket than numbers. Hilfenhaus's numbers have been swelled by getting a few tailenders out. Morkel's taken the most wickets this series. He's arguably been the most consistent quick of the series. Australia 3-126 (Cowan 49, Ponting 12)

4.14pm Productive start by Cowan. He finished the first over after lunch from Steyn with two boundaries. It'll be Vernon Philander from the other end. Australia 3-118 (Cowan 45, Ponting 9)

4.08pm Players are making their way out on the field. They have a pep in their step as well. They'll be even happier if they can get Michael Clarke. Ed Cowan looked OK in the first session, but Clarke will be the key to Australia's chances of seeing out the day.

LUNCH WRAP: That was clearly South Africa's session. They got rid of the man who could take the game away from them, Warner, plus Watson and the man of the moment Ricky Ponting. Encouragingly for Australia, Michael Clarke hit the first two balls he faced for four. He's made a habit of getting huge scores in 2012 but so hopeless is Australia's position they'd still be well short even if the captain hit another double century. The big question now is whether Australia can see the game into a fifth day.

3.30pm To rub salt into the wounds, that was the last over before lunch. Ponting's wicket came out of the blue. He'd seen off the quicks and Peterson seemed the least threatening of them all. He pitched one up which was too full for Ponting to cut. Befitting the moment, it was a very good catch by Kallis at first slip. That rocketed off the edge to him. Quite a deflating way to end the session. Australia lost three wickets, and the man everyone wanted to get a ton was one of them. At lunch it's Australia 3-110 (Cowan 37, Clarke 8)

3.27pm WICKET! Oh no! Ponting's gone. He's tried to cut Peterson and he's caught at slip. Peterson's jubilant but several Proteas shake Ponting's hand as he walks off. Ponting stops midway to the pavilion, raises bat and helmet and waves to the crowd. A sad moment for Australian cricket. Channel Nine follows him through to the dressing room. Quite fitting that Clarke is the next man in, as if it was a passing of the baton. Australia 3-102

3.25pm A win of sorts for Australia. Morkel off, Peterson on. He doesn't quite have the same punch as the other Proteas. Cowan's eyes have lit up to a short ball which he cuts for four. Lunch only a few minutes away. Australia 2-102 (Cowan 37, Ponting 4)

3.23pm Channel Nine's pulled out a stat. Ponting 81.07 whenever he gets to 20+ as opposed to career mark of 52.05. He's played out a maiden from Steyn. Good bowling and good batting. As Bill Lawry would say, good cricket all round. Australia 2-97 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

3.20pm Ponting's been there for over half an hour now. He's answered a few questions so far but the fans stiill have a right to be nervous. He's not quite going yet though he is leaving with a bit more confidence. Can he make it through to lunch? Australia 2-97 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

3.15pm Morkel's made his way onto Ricky Ponting's Christmas card list with that effort in the field. Morkel's a tall man and he couldn't quite bend all the way down to stop that ball at long-on, costing his team a boundary. Australia 2-97 (Cowan 32, Ponting 8)

3.12pm Smith's upped the ante. He's bringing back his strike weapon Dale Steyn, and he's given Ponting a ripper first up. He's squared up Ponting with one which pitched on off and deviated ever so slightly away. Australia 2-93 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

3.06pm Looks like we're going to get a change of ball here, the other one's not quite round enough. They might find one that's going to swing a bit more. Australia 2-93 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

3.03pm Ed Cowan's in a very precarious position here. You don't want to be remembered as the man who runs Ponting out in his last innings. Australia 2-93 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

3.01pm Huge ovation for Ponting. He's off the mark with his trademark pull shot. He's picked it up early and pulled that well in front of square. It didn't quite rocket to the rope like it used to but he's opened his account. Australia 2-93 (Cowan 32, Ponting 4)

2.58pm As much as we liked the guard of honour, it would have made for good viewing if they managed to get the men who Ponting's had a blue with over the years - Harbhajan, Gary Pratt, Anil Kumble, the owner of the TV he broke with the errant box in the 2011 World Cup, whoever got him at Bourbon Beefsteak... Australia 2-89 (Cowan 32, Ponting 0)

2.56pm As we predicted, Peterson off but it's not Steyn coming back, it's Vernon Philander. They're going with swing over pace to have a crack at Ponting. They'll have to wait a minute. Cowan's on strike. Australia 2-89 (Cowan 32, Ponting 0)

2.51pm Ponting's survived his first four balls, against Peterson. I wonder how long it will take for Smith to bring back Dale Steyn. Australia 2-88 (Cowan 31, Ponting 0)

2.50pm 1288 - the number of balls it took for Cowan to hit his first six in Test cricket.

2.48pm SIX! Ed Cowan's hit a six! Ed Cowan's hit a six! I don't believe it. Cowan's given that full toss from Peterson the kitchen sink, and it's cleared the rope by about a foot. That's the first six of Cowan's career. Australia 2-88 (Cowan 31, Ponting 0)

2.45pm WICKET! Watson's gone. Morkel's landed one just short of a length, it's straightened and found Watson's outside edge. Smith's taken a safe catch in the cordon. That brings the great Ricky Ponting to the crease. He gets a standing ovation from the fans and the Proteas XI give him a guard of honour. Ponting responds by shaking Smith's hand. Good to see sportsmanship still alive today. Or was it a strategy by South Africa to unsettle Ponting emotionally? Australia 2-81 (Cowan 23, Ponting 0)

2.40pm Cowan didn't give a yelp in that match race against Watson. Watson gave him wind burn sprinting past. Reminds me of some of the nags I've been betting on recently. Watson's up to 24, Cowan on 23. Australia 1-81 (Cowan 23, Watson 24)

2.36pm Not for the first time in his career, Cowan's about to be overtaken by the No.3. Watson's moved up to 20, three behind Cowan on 23. That said, I'd prefer to have Cowan batting for me at the moment. He seems a bit more solid. Australia 1-75 (Cowan 23, Watson 20)

2.30pm That's the first hour finished and drinks are on the field. It's 1-73. What do you reckon Australia will be at lunch? Still one down or will they be two or three down? I'm backing 1-107. As for the stumps score, I'll say 6-357 Australia 1-73 (Cowan 22, Watson 19)

2.28pm 564 left to win. If Imran Tahir was bowling, another 80 overs from him would do it. Peterson's looking a bit more dangerous. Australia 1-68 (Cowan 22, Watson 14)

2.27pm Watson cuts a short and wide one from Morkel to four. Get out shot or good batting? Meanwhile, Mark Nicholas just won't let this footwear fetish go, though it is giving Channel Nine a chance to get some close-ups of Morkel's footwear. Free plug for them at least. Australia 1-68 (Cowan 22, Watson 14)

2.22pm Another moral victory of sorts for Australia. They've seen off both Philander and Steyn. Now to get past Morne Morkel. Australia 1-63 (Cowan 22, Watson 9)

2.16pm Let's have a look at the bright side of 632. The field will be up so if you can get through the in-field you'll find the rope. Easy runs. Australia 1-62 (Cowan 22, Watson 8)

2.10pm I like Ian Healy's optimism. Put pressure on Morne Morkel's ankle, blunt Dale Steyn, there's no Jacques Kallis and South Africa have been used to having four seamers, the wicket's flat, beautiful conditions for batting... That might all play out, but the target's still 632. Australia 1-58 (Cowan 18, Watson 8)

2.06pm Watson's looking very shaky here. That drive to Steyn was uppish but wide of point. Where was the batsman of two months ago who was dominating attacks around the world, albeit in Twenty20 cricket? Is that all he is - a very good limited-overs batsman who gets found out against quality Test attacks? He can answer a few critics today, or give them more ammo. Australia 1-58 (Cowan 18, Watson 8)

2.02pm Dale Steyn's found Cowan's inside edge a few times, can't quite find his outside edge. Cowan's been leaving the ball very well. There's been a few tight leaves but his stumps are still standing. Australia 1-55 (Cowan 18, Watson 5)

1.55pm These South Africans have brought their own pitch with them. They're getting it to do what Australia's bowler couldn't yesterday - move the ball around. Dale Steyn's getting a few to move to Cowan. He's a wicket waiting to happen but to his credit he's hanging in there like a street fighter. Australia 1-52 (Cowan 15, Watson 5)

1.51pm I was just about to ask why Ed Cowan's batting out of his crease but Tubby beat me to it. He's out there to try and combat the movement off the seam. Does AB de Villiers have it in him to stand up to the stumps to make Cowan do something different? I reckon Mark Boucher would have done it. Australia 1-51 (Cowan 14, Watson 5)

1.47pm Tom Moody's continuing his good start to his Test career on Channel Nine. He's questioning why Ben Hilfenhaus, a genuine swing bowler, was left out for the venue which would most suit his bowling. And if he was unable to back up after Adelaide, why didn't they leave him out for that one instead of here? Tubby and Chappelli agree with him as well. Australia 1-49 (Cowan 13, Watson 5)

1.41pm I wonder how Ricky Ponting's feeling in the sheds at the moment. The way the Proteas have started this morning he must be feeling he'll be in next ball. Australia 1-45 (Cowan 13, Watson 1)

1.38pm I love it when Tubby agrees with me. He reckons Watson is a real lbw candidate - 30% lbw, 18% bowled. Chappelli reckons that's not a great combination for a top-order player.

1.35pm Warner's wicket is huge as he was one guy who could have made the Proteas nervous if he batted for a while today.

1.34pm Not the most promising start by Shane Watson, though he survives. He loves planting that front pad. It's like there's a target sign on it. Problem for him is the Proteas are in the sort of form where they'll hit it. Australia 1-41 (Cowan 9, Watson 1)

1.31pm WICKET! You've got to be kidding!? Second ball of the morning and David Warner's gone without adding to his overnight total of 29 - caught at first slip by Graeme Smith to Vernon Philander. The ideal start for South Africa, and anything but for Australia. Australia 1-40

Andrew Wu here padding up for day four of the third and final Test. Will it be the final day of the match and the series or can Australia force it into day five? And if they can, can they bat themselves into a position where victory is on the horizon? The other big question is what can Ricky Ponting do in his final Test innings? Can he rediscover his best or will his poor run continue?